I have been having the most difficult time teaching myself how to bead with peyote stitch (not to mention how to do an odd count peyote row) but then I remembered what I normally do when trying to learn something.  I use the exact materials the pattern calls for, NO SUBSTITUTIONS.

In this case it meant sending out for some delica beads.  Now, I started out "beading" last year with czech seed beads that come pre-strung and in hanks of 12-14 bead collars.  I used them for making french beaded flowers.  I had seen that the color variety was greater with delicas, but thruth be told, the hassle of threading loose beads on a wire was not alluring in the least.

So, I chose a pattern, sent out for the beads and the nymo silk beading thread, and they arrived this past Saturday.  I was a bit intimidated at first, delicas are even smaller than size 11/0 seed beads!   I was scared to go immediately into peyote so I did a bit of loomwork.  I have to say, the difference is tangible.  Delicas have larger holes, and in loom work - and in most woven beadwork- you need to be able to pass the thread back through the bead several times.

Then I found a smaller peyote project, and it was AMAZING!.  I was able to keep the beading straight - unlike with seed beads where it was all over the place - and the finished product was beautiful.  I made a pair of earrings I found on a book I recently got called Jewels in Peyote Stitch by Jill Morning.

Swatch with Round beads

Peyote stitch with delicas seed beads

I think I finally have the courage to start doing more peyote work.  I especially love all the wonderful amulet bags you can weave, plus earrings and bracelets!